EghtesadOnline: Tap30, the second most popular ride-hailing app in Iran, is planning to connect its security system directly to the police for improving the safety of passengers.

The plan was discussed when a senior police authority, Sadeq Rezadoust, visited Tap30 company on Wednesday, IRNA reported.

Earlier in July 2018, the company introduced a “red button” feature in its app, which enables passengers to contact the company's security unit in the event of feeling threatened during a ride.

At the time, Tap30 activated the trial run of the feature “Contact Security Unit” for 5,000 customers. By tapping the same, passengers would send an alert to Tap30 and the company would review the situation and if necessary, call the police or an ambulance, according to Financial Tribune.

While the option is still being tested, the company is now working on a new plan to connect the service directly to law-enforcement forces.

Milad Monshipour, CEO of Tap30, said the direct linkup will reduce the police's response time in emergency cases.

"In addition, the feature will act as a preventive factor and minimize any possible offense of drivers," he said.

If a driver deviates from the route leading to the destination, the police would be alerted and can follow up the matter.

Rezadoust welcomed the idea and said law-enforcement forces are ready to work with Tap30 to improve passenger security and prevent any unfavorable incidents in online ride services.

After several cases of harassment were reported by passengers, ride-hailing companies have been slammed over their lax driver vetting procedures.

Therefore, along with “the red button”, Tap30 has taken another measure in collaboration with the police.

Monshipour emphasized that the police now conduct background checks on drivers before they could be employed by Tap30. Applicants with criminal background are prohibited from working for the company.

In addition to Tehran, Tap30 is currently operating in Karaj, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Rasht, Sari, Tabriz and Lahijan.

The ride-hailing startup’s application is available for download on Google Play and local Android market Cafe Bazaar, and has been downloaded over two million times.